LORAIN, Ohio — A 20-foot refurbished shipping container equipped with games and educational activities will call Lakeview Park in Lorain its new home.
Though it’s called the Little Library on the Lake, it will not offer the traditional collection of books, magazines and DVDs you would find in a library. Instead, inside this shipping container, there will be games, educational activities and sporting equipment for all ages.
“This is a great addition to the Lakeview Park experience,” said Jim Ziemnik, Director of Lorain County Metro Parks. “These items will allow people to get outside and have some fun while still social distancing and staying safe.”
All items are available to check out, for free, using your Lorain Public Library card.
Included in the collection are items such as:
- Soccer balls, tether-trainer and pop-up mini soccer goals
- Tennis rackets and tennis balls
- Volleyballs
- Yoga mats
- Badminton sets
- Jump ropes
- An obstacle course kit
- Bocce
- Horseshoes
- Bird-watching kits and stargazing kits (these are both loaned for up to seven days, all other items are one day loans, due back before the library closes)
This container, which was refurbished by the Rustbelt Welding Company in Cleveland, has a sliding door, wood floor and skylights made from boat hatches. The Little Library on the Lake will provide free WiFi access to a range of about 100 to 150 yards depending on the device.
“This is only the second cargo container library in Northeast Ohio, and we’re going to have it right here at Lakeview Park,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley in a statement. “I can’t wait to bring my granddaughter.”
Little Library on the Lake will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 30 and will reopen again when the beach opens in the spring.
